Karen Kalbacher
Ocean City, NJ 08226
Cell phone: (215) 813-5184
Email: karen@ozmia.com

OBJECTIVE
To obtain a position that allows me to utilize and contribute my customer service, administrative, technical, and artistic skills to the team.

EXPERIENCE
Charming Shoppes Inc, Bensalem PA
Oct 2006 - Dec 2007
Call Center/Tech Support
Function:Provide technical assistance and customer service to store locations by speaking with store associates and remoting into computer systems for the correction of glitches, user/system errors and/or maintenance. Cooperation with managers/associates in various locations to troubleshoot/repair technical issues such as equipment malfunction occurring with in the store. Strong interpersonal/phone skills necessary to maintain good working relationship with peers and store management. Use of templates for creation and tracking of issues within the company.

Origivation Magazine, Philadelphia PA - (Origivation.com)
Nov 2005 - Feb 2006
Freelance Writer (Band Interviews)
Function: Conducted interviews either on location or in person with bands using a digital tape recorder. Transcribing audio and editing transcript to fit length requirements of issue. Strong communication skills required as well as typing/listening skills.

TheFurniture.com - Trevose, PA
Aug 2005 - June 30th 2006
HTML page maker/Copy Writer
Function: Creation of copy for use on website to facilitate the sale of furniture on the web. Image manipulation, not limited to cutting, resizing, color correction, scanning and clean-up for use on the website. Also maintaining a database of current competitor prices and in-house pricing to maintain competitive rates. Typing, familiarity with Excel and Photoshop were necessary for completion of tasks.

Lamacraft, Inc. - Tullytown, PA
April 2003- Nov 2004
Corian Fabricator/Finisher
Function: Creation of countertops, splashes, vanities and special order items from Corian and Topstone. Use of templates to create accurately sized pieces. Use of sanders, grinders and routers to create specialized edge treatments as well as adding a high gloss finished surface. Lifting and installing of countertops in homes and businesses using glue and screws to secure. Teamwork necessary for completion of projects on schedule and high attention to detail.

MediaCraft, Inc. Mt Laurel NJ
Nov 2000- April 2003 & Nov 2004-April 2005
Web Graphics Designer/Copy Writer
Function: Creation of graphics using Illustrator, Photoshop and Image Ready. Creation of copy from research and provided information. Designed web pages using HTML, Dreamweaver and Adobe GoLive. Attention to client needs as well as creation of sites with SEO keywords, metags and descriptions to attract visitors. Occasional creation of animation as well as concept sketches and original artworks to meet client needs.

KB Toy Works - Franklin Mills Circle, Philadelphia PA
Sept 1997- May 2003
PT seasonal manager/Sales Associate/Stock
Function: Promotion of sales, assistance of customers/employees, and maintenance of store appearance as well as unloading trucks. Management of associates during busy season and creation of friendly atmosphere. Occasional assembly of bikes, play centers, and various store items.

Selected Publishing Credits:
Intrigue Magazine for "The Career Gene" November 2006
Origivation Magazine for an Feature Interview with ABT September 2006
Origivation Magazine for an Interview with Matt Roach September 2006
Origivation Magazine for an Interview with Simple & Supreem July 2006
Origivation Magazine for an Interview with The Girls of Head June 2006
Origivation Magazine for an Interview with Stacie O. Heyday June 2006
Origivation Magazine for an Interview with The Silence May 2006
Origivation Magazine for an Interview with Andy Browne Trio April 2006
Origivation Magazine for an Interview with Rock Star LP February 2006
Intrigue Magazine for "No One Sleeps in September" June 2005
FlashQuake.org for "Anniversary" - June 2005
SnifftheCork.com for Hardcore in March 2005
Eternal Night Chronicle for No One Swims in September 2002
Comingtogetyou.net for My Cat & the Photograph 2001

Program familiarity: Microsoft, WordPerfect for PC and MAC, Photoshop CS, Image Ready 7, Dreamweaver MX, Premier, Painter 5, Flash MX, Adobe Acrobat, Excel, Microsoft Power Point, Frontpage, Illustrator

Education:
Holy Family University, Philadelphia PA
Major: English (2 Literature Classes)
Art Institute of Philadelphia, Philadelphia Pa
Associates in the Animated Arts
Major: Computer Animation, June 1998- March 2000
Community College of Philadelphia, Philadelphia Pa
Major: English/Graphic Design Sept 1995- April 1998
Transferred to Art Institute of Philadelphia

Hobbies:
Writing (samples on request), reading (1-2 books a week), painting, sewing, knitting, drawing, silk screening, music appreciation, going to concerts, swimming, walking/hiking, physical fitness, heading web lists, TV enthusiast, travel